Nyingchi: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, engaged in strategic discussions with His Excellency Mr. Xu Zitao, Vice Chairman of the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region. The meeting took place on the fringes of the 5th China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum.

According to Press Information Department, the Vice Chairman provided a comprehensive briefing to the Pakistani delegation on the Xizang Autonomous Region’s historical, geographical, political, and economic landscape. The discussion emphasized the region’s development approach, which prioritizes ecological conservation and environmental protection.

During the meeting, Mr. Xu highlighted the socio-economic advancements in Xizang over recent decades, noting improvements in public welfare and infrastructure. He underscored that environmental protection is a key element of Xizang’s development strategy, with 47 national parks in the region. The cultural and religious diversity, including a Kashmiri Muslim community, was also discussed.

Dr. Musadik Malik expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by the Vice Chairman, reaffirming the strong ties and Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China. The meeting explored avenues for collaboration in environmental protection, climate change, scientific research, and sustainable development. Dr. Malik stressed the mutual benefits of knowledge-sharing and partnerships, given the similar ecological environments of Pakistan and Xizang.

The dialogue also covered traditional knowledge systems, such as Tibetan medicine, which share similarities with practices in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, suggesting potential for academic and research partnerships. Dr. Malik concluded by expressing Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with China, particularly in climate action and scientific research, which would further solidify the friendship between the two nations.